More vendors coming to sell their produce at the market – Kumar

Minister for Local Government, Premila Kumar says she has seen more vendors come to sell their produce at the market particularly after COVID-19 and Tropical Cyclone Harold so that they can run their homes.

She highlighted this while receiving 104 tents from UN Women and the governments of Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

Kumar says these tents are expected to benefit 3,000 farmers who come to sell their produce at the market on Friday's and Saturday's.

Kumar adds these tents will be distributed to 15 municipal markets throughout the country.

The Minister has also highlighted that her Ministry is working on establishing three de-centralised markets in Flagstaff, Raiwaqa and Mead Road in Tamavua in the near future.

UN Women Representative, Sandra Bernklau says the tents are important to maintain social distancing, but they also recognise the expansion of the markets as more people are coming in to the markets.

She says they are also pleased to get these tents distributed before the cyclone season begins.

Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, John Feakes says Australia's support to Markets for Change is in its seventh year which has resulted in stronger partnerships with the government and supported the development of eight markets that include the Namaka and Rakiraki markets that were opened.

He says with women comprising between 75% to 90% of market vendors in the Pacific, their voices are critical in building safer and more inclusive markets.